microphones

Cardioid

Picks up sound from the front and sides, rejects from the rear; good for studio and live work, less room ambience.

Proximity Effect

Enhances lower frequencies when sound source is too close to the microphone; can be used intentionally for tonal changes.

Omni-directional

Picks up sound evenly from all directions; commonly used for ambient recording.

Hyper-Cardioid/Super-Cardioid

Similar to cardioid but with a narrower front pickup; precise sound capture with greater rejection of surrounding noise.

Figure of 8

Picks up sound from front and rear equally, rejects from sides; found in ribbon and high-end condenser microphones, used in stereo configurations.

Moving-Coil Microphones

Dynamic microphones are sometimes called moving-coil microphones due to their working principle.

Electro-Magnetic Induction

Principle where sound waves move a coil of wire past a magnet, inducing an electrical current.

Diaphragm

Part of a microphone attached to a coil of wire, vibrating with sound waves.

Cardioid Polar Pattern

Polar pattern of dynamic microphones picking up sound from the front, less from sides, and minimal from behind.

Sensitivity

Dynamic microphones are not very sensitive, struggle with quiet sounds but excel with high SPL.

Frequency Response

Dynamic microphones have a 'coloured' frequency response, not flat like condenser mics.

Transient Response

Dynamic microphones have a slow transient response due to the heavy diaphragm.

Power Requirement

Dynamic microphones do not need 48v Phantom Power as they generate their own current.

Kick Drum

One of the typical uses of dynamic microphones, suitable for capturing the low-frequency kick drum sound.

Live Vocals

Dynamic microphones are commonly used for live vocals due to their low sensitivity and feedback resistance.

Electric Guitar Amplifiers

Dynamic microphones can be used to capture electric guitar amplifier sound, providing a 'warmer' tone.

Snare Drum

Dynamic microphones are suitable for capturing the sound of a snare drum due to their high SPL handling.

Tom-Toms

Dynamic microphones are used for capturing the sound of tom-toms, known for their loud output.

Some Brass Instruments

Dynamic microphones are used for certain brass instruments due to their ability to handle high SPL.

Condenser Microphone

Microphone using a capacitor for operation with phantom power

Capacitor

Device with two conductive plates varying capacitance

Phantom Power

Invisible power supply for condenser microphones

Polar Patterns

Different directional sensitivity patterns of microphones

Pad Switch

Reduces microphone sensitivity for louder instruments

High Pass Filter

Cuts out frequencies below a set point to reduce unwanted noise

Sensitivity

Ability to pick up detail and quieter sounds

Frequency Response

Range of frequencies a microphone can pick up

Transient Response

Ability to accurately capture sound peaks

Large Diaphragm vs Small Diaphragm

Size differences affecting sound coloration and accuracy

Typical Uses

Common applications of condenser microphones

Ribbon Microphones

Use electro-magnetic induction with a metallic foil strip suspended between magnets.

Figure of 8 Polar Pattern

Picks up sound equally from front and back, rejects sound from sides.

Sensitivity

High sensitivity due to the light-weight ribbon.

Frequency Response

Flat response with reduced high frequencies, ideal for taming bright sounds.

Transient Response

Exhibits fast transient response due to low mass ribbon.

Fragility

Extremely fragile due to thin ribbon, easily damaged by dropping or air blowing.

Power

Do not require phantom power to avoid damaging the microphone.

Ribbon Microphone Uses

Suitable for vocals, acoustic instruments, carefully placed electric guitar amps, and ambient recording.